Afghanistan Launches First All-Female Radio Station

Afghanistan has launched its first radio station dedicated exclusively to women in Herat, the capital of the country’s western province, with an entirely female team, local media reported on Sunday.

The station, called Nawaye Zan, meaning Voice of Women, employs more than 10 female journalists in its studio who produce a range of programs focused on women’s issues, according to Tolo News.

Shabnam Karimi, the station’s director, said Nawaye Zan was established to amplify women’s voices. She added that the journalists aim to highlight both the achievements of women and girls and the challenges they face.

Saadi Niar Yazdanparast, a station employee, told the media, “Thanks to this radio station and its new programs, we will be able to bring women’s voices to officials and the world.” He added that Nawaye Zan is the only media outlet in western Afghanistan focusing exclusively on women.

The station’s launch comes amid increasing restrictions on women in the region. Last Saturday, Khaama Press reported that government orders now prohibit women in Herat from entering public buildings, including hospitals and medical centers, without wearing a burqa. Taxi drivers are also banned from transporting women who are not fully veiled.

The burqa completely covers a woman’s face and body, with a thick mesh covering the eyes. Previously, women in Afghanistan were allowed to wear other forms of Islamic clothing, such as the hijab, niqab, or chador, when walking in public or entering government buildings.